A Memorial from the Qianlong Era of the Qing Dynasty Regarding 'Grass-Eating Fish'

During the Qianlong era, Gao Heng, the Governor-General of Jiangnan, submitted a memorial to Emperor Qianlong mentioning a local fish called '鯸魚' (similar to carp) that fed on aquatic plants. Because it ate grass, its flesh had an unpleasant muddy taste. To transport it to Beijing for the Emperor's tasting, it was necessary to wait until after the Cold Dew (寒露) solar term. Only when the river water was sufficiently cool could the fish be placed in clear water for over ten days to remove the earthy flavor. By the time of Frost Descent (霜降), it could be successfully transported.